Community Policy

Our Philosophy on working with our improv neighbors

Overview

Our mission is to create an open, inclusive space that meets the needs of improvisers and improv teams. We accomplish this by providing classes, rehearsal space, and stage time. In exchange, we receive money (from class and workshop tuition) and volunteer performers for our shows. This arrangement does not create or imply ownership or contractual obligations upon either CATCh or our students, teams, or performers — except where explicitly agreed upon by both parties.

Below, we set out in more detail how this affects our relationship with individuals, teams, other improv theaters, and the greater arts community.

Statement One: Teams Belong to Themselves

Improvisers are artists, and as such should be encouraged to explore and expand their craft as much as possible. In addition, most (if not all) improvisers are volunteers who perform for the joy of the art form, and are not beholden to the theater in which they train (though professional courtesies are encouraged).

Teams who perform at CATCh (including house teams & student teams, and the teams formed out of them) are free to perform at other theaters, festivals, and private events.

House Teams are expected to maintain their commitments to CATCh, including rehearsals and performances.
We ask that teams affiliated with CATCh, including house teams, promote CATCh shows and classes whenever possible (except when performing at another improv theater, unless previously discussed).
Requests for information about corporate training and other business services offered by CATCh should be forwarded to the Business Director.

Statement Two: Border Walls are Bad for Improv

In a very divisive time in our culture, we believe that improv can bring people together in unprecedented ways. Every theater, teacher, class, and classmate can provide a new perspective or challenge to a performer, offering multifaceted, well-rounded growth and world view. We believe that more opportunities are created when we open ourselves to other perspectives and encourage personal growth in this regard both on and off stage.

CATCh performers are encouraged to explore different styles, skills, and resources to continue to build their personal tool belts. We believe that any attempt to limit this artistic growth is prohibitive to the performer, art form, and the larger arts community in the region.

Taking CATCh classes and/or participating on a CATCh house team does not prohibit improvisers from performing with other teams or theaters, or from taking classes and workshops at other theaters.

Team members must maintain a commitment to their CATCh team, or have their stage time reduced or be removed from a team if they cannot make rehearsals or performances on the established team schedule.
It is recommended that students complete their CATCh course of study before taking classes at other theaters (and we encourage students at other theaters to do the same before coming to a CATCh class).
In all cases, we encourage improvisers to clearly communicate with their current team and theater, especially when leaving for another team/theater.

Individuals and teams may choose to leave one theater (or team) for another, whether for artistic or personal reasons.

CATCh will not deny access to our services (including classes, workshops, or auditions for teams) solely because of prior affiliation with another theater or team.

As a professional courtesy, individuals and teams are encouraged to have these conversations with their current theater director, coach, or teacher (as appropriate) first.
CATCh retains the right to refuse access to classes and shows for other reasons.
Individuals must still adhere to CATCh policies and requirements should they wish to become a member of a house team.

Individuals who have demonstrated inappropriate or violent behavior (including harassment) will not be allowed to participate in CATCh activities.

Improv leaders, including theater directors, coaches, and teachers have a responsibility to share concerns about such behavior with others.
CATCh resolves to take all such concerns seriously and when in doubt will err on the side of protecting our students, performers, and community members.

Statement Three: Creative Abundance

A growing, dynamic, and diverse community benefits us all.

CATCh is dedicated to supporting the efforts of all like-minded creative organizations in the region. We will not actively recruit any team or improviser to abandon their existing situation in favor of CATCh, nor will we disparage the efforts of others who are working in good faith for the betterment of the craft.